OK, so I have never seen a hiker box since most of the trails I am on aren't long trails and thus no thru-hikers and re-supplies. Sounds kind of fun and it gave me an idea along the PIF sharing. It also happens that I am in a 'purge' mood at the moment and there is plenty of items laying around that someone might get some use out of.

So here's the plan — I am going to put together a 'travelling hiker/PIF box' and ship it to another BPLer. They then get the excitement of checking out its contents and swapping some for other stuff out of their gear closet that they no longer want/use. Pack it up and send it to the next BPLer… Fun, right?

Some suggested guidelines (dare I say rules) —

1. The person receiving the box is welcome to pillage as much as they like as long as they put some of their unused stuff back in (good judgment on like value taken/replaced here would be appreciated).
2. Since shipping is involved, the person sending on to the next BPLer can suggest and pick a recipient based on how far they are willing to ship the box (or if they just want to focus it in a specific area). Hopefully, the goal is that it travels around pretty well.
3. If you are requesting to be a recipient, please keep the box moving as quickly as you are able.
4. As a recipient, please post what you 'found/claimed' out of the box so that everyone can enjoy your fortune. I think it will be also interesting to see what type of stuff interests different people.
5. Keep the mystery (i.e. don't spoil the surprise) by NOT listing the contents of the box that you haven't claimed.

I am in Ohio and since Ohioans typically will not locally experience a hiker box, I will send the first box to an Ohio BPLer.

Any takers? We'll use the first come, first served method unless Sender chooses otherwise for personal reasons.

I'm in. I've done a few PIFs on both ends, and it's a great way to try out some stuff for those of us who don't get to hang out at REI. I just finished up a major project at work and promised my son another hiking trip now. Be glad to pass it along. I'm south of you, and also miss out on some of the spectacular hikes out west, but I also don't worry about a bear eating me, so I suppose they're always trade offs…

I told Mark, it feels like Christmas! I'll hopefully remove some things, definitely add some things and send it on to Greg Rozanc in Baltimore, since it will save a little bit in shipping. After that I guess it's up to him. Greg, PM me your address and we'll keep it moving quickly!

Got the box today. Lots of neat things there, but in the "spirit of the box" I only grabbed the things I was most interested in. I got several things I was getting ready to order, like some small fire starters and mini bags. I also grabbed some large velcro straps, a pack towel and a very interesting pliers/knife carabiner. I've added a bunch of new things and I'll send it out tomorrow. Thanks for kicking this off, Mark.

This is a fabulous idea. I'm in NE Oregon and have a whole bunch of things that I have been holding on to which others might like to have. So, I am in.

Now, if those east of the Mississippi do not want to share with us Westerners, maybe we need to start another box. I'll give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes. Otherwise, I'll start a second box if the interest continues to build.